Making major retail establishments sustainable: The case of the Mall at Robinson

Abstract

This case serves as a leadership example of what is initially possible for existing mall retail establishments regarding sustainability. The discussion consists of a case study of how a multidisciplinary team of Pittsburgh-regional experts conducted a comprehensive analysis using a systems approach [1] to identify and provide recommendations for sustainable business solutions to benefit a large retail shopping mall in the Pittsburgh Region, The Mall at Robinson. The convening organization for this project was Sustainable Pittsburgh. Findings from the assessment include solutions that will save or make money and increase the mall's effectiveness and resource efficiency. Other impacts include recommendations for becoming better stewards of the environment and community and increasing the mall's public profile. The project approach has been to focus on opportunities for continuous improvement where the interests of people, business, and environment meet.